Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi
truck accident lawyer may be needed if you or someone you care about has been injured in a collision with a truck. These kinds of accidents are not common and you'll need someone who is familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
There are a variety of parties that could be held responsible for a truck accident,
truck accident lawyer including the driver as well as the trucking company, the manufacturer, and more. A competent lawyer will be able to navigate these areas and ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve.
1. Human error
Human error is a major factor in truck accidents. In fact, 87 percent of crashes involving trucks are caused by some form of error. This is due to the fact that most people don't know all the elements that go into the process of getting a big tractor or 18-wheeler onto a road and maintaining its safety.
In addition, truck drivers who work long hours and not getting enough rest can result in fatal accidents. In fact, data shows that 30 percent of all fatal
truck accidents are due to fatigued drivers.
In the end, it is important for truckers to comply with federal and state regulations regarding the number of hours they can drive in one day, and how much sleep they should get before driving again. This prevents accidents from occurring in the first place, and also ensures the safety of passengers and other drivers.
However, human mistakes are a complicated matter that involves a variety of people and conditions. This makes it difficult to determine who is at fault for an accident and how much you are entitled to for your injuries. It requires the assistance of an experienced large truck crash attorney to look into the causes of a crash in order to determine who is the legal responsibility for paying you money damages.
2. Defective equipment
Large industrial machinery and equipment can be subject to many problems, including malfunctioning safety devices and faulty parts. Defective equipment can cause injuries which can result in fatalities or life-altering consequences for workers and others.
The faulty equipment can also damage a company's reputation and result in financial losses. Ladders that are not properly constructed can cause injuries and falls as well as electrical equipment may be infected with a defect that could result in burns or electrocution.
Furthermore, issues with parts of the truck and trailer could be harmful to other drivers. A truck driver may have trouble controlling the truck because of an inoperative brake system.
This can result in a number of truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions and collisions other vehicles. Brakes can fail due to an issue with the manufacturing process or due to inadequate maintenance by the mechanic or owner.
In certain cases, the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective can be liable. A semi truck accident lawyer can seek compensation from the manufacturer if the defect in the equipment piece is the cause of the incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the hours that truckers are permitted to work during a week. These limits are designed to reduce fatigue that can lead to numerous accidents.
Unfortunately truck drivers don't adhere to the guidelines. To meet their company's mileage goals, they push themselves well beyond these limits. This can result in erratic driving habits, and increase the risk.
Long hours can also be a long commute, lack of sleep, and inability to complete tasks within the deadline. All of these factors can lead to stress and burnout which could have a profound impact on your ability to do your job at a high-quality.
Despite the risks of working long hours, it's essential to remember that you're entitled to a fair shake. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best way to ensure that you are protected.
A good lawyer can help you file the proper insurance claim, collect damages and prove negligence on the part of parties responsible. A good attorney will also look over your case and find the most efficient way to get you the compensation you need and are entitled to.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any action that is in violation of a person's obligation of care to the public. It is the basis for most personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care can include hiring and training safe drivers, testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, as well as maintaining the truck in a proper manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers often have multiple tasks to complete while on the road, which could lead to accidents. Distracted driving is an offence.
Failure of the equipment - In some cases, a defect in the truck or trailer itself may be responsible for an accident. It is possible to bring an action for product liability against the manufacturer of the truck, trailer or any component that caused an accident.
Cargo loaders - Companies that load trucks also have responsibilities to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and balanced. Truck drivers could lose control of their vehicles in the event of unbalanced or unbalanced cargo. This could lead to accidents.
A skilled semi truck accident lawyer is recommended if you or a loved was injured during a crash involving a truck. They are well-versed in these types of cases and can help prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should look over the semi truck's maintenance records and the manufacturer's records to determine the reason for an accident. The information can be used by a skilled Louisiana truck accident attorney to identify design defects that could be used in the case of a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
The law of product liability states that a manufacturer can be held responsible for defectively designed products when there are reasonable risks of injury. To prove claims of design defects plaintiffs must show that a safer design was in place at time of injury and that a safer alternative would have prevented the injury, without altering the product's functionality.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have a wealth of experience handling heavy truck crashworthiness cases and can assist you to claim compensation for your injuries. If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in an accident caused by a defective truck, please contact our team as soon as possible.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is vital in the trucking industry to ensure that the safety of both freight and drivers is assured. Incorrect maintenance can result in tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other dangers. Defective maintenance can also lead to serious truck accidents that result in injury or even death.
Large trucks are often involved in accidents due to inadequate maintenance. Most of these accidents can be prevented.
Companies can enhance their performance and reduce failures by planning maintenance. These include implementing proper safety procedures, regularly inspecting equipment and performing regular maintenance.
Although it can be difficult to create a system for maintenance,
truck accident lawyer it can save you money and help prevent any future accidents. In fact, the cost of preventative maintenance could often be less than the cost for repairs after an accident.
If you've been injured due to a company's defective maintenance of a residential or commercial property, the team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist you in finding a solution to your case. Contact us to find out more about our services. The lawyers at our firm have vast experience in premises liability and will strive to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
The size and weight of a semi
truck accident law firm can cause severe injuries or even death in a crash with the vehicle of a passenger.